Mayuri is definitely one of the most underappreciated anime characters in the league, even from big Steins;Gate fans like myself. Many minimize her role in the story as a plot device while glossing over how crucial she is as the heart and moral compass of the lab.

One of the first indicators that Steins;Gate would be a great series was when Mayuri accepted Kurisu into the friend group with literal open arms. It's a small detail but it shows that the story is about a group built upon relationships formed from genuine connections.

Many series would've played that scene up with contrived dramatics where Mayuri got jealous of Kurisu getting attention or other bullshit but Steins;Gate establishes that every relationship in the series matters, including the non-Okabe relationships formed between lab members.

Essentially, the fundamental heartfelt nature of Steins;Gate's relationships are a byproduct of Mayuri's emotional intelligence and naturally compassionate personality.

Thank you Mayuri for giving S;G heart! Happy Birthday!